Calling all Big Block I/O Guys...Info needed

[ToonGuy]

I'm looking at taking on new project, and I'm looking at donor boats. First off, I know little about I/Os, so I'm going off of what people who are trying to sell me boats are telling me. What are the major differences in the out drives? Boat A has a 1990 standard 454/Bravo 1 combo. Sellers says its the only way to go, any thing but the Bravo is junk. Boat B has a 1987 Magnum 454/Alpha 1 combo. Seller states this was only offered for 2 years, and it's the only way to go. I have seen more Bravos behind the big block, but if it's so much better why would they have ever offered it behind the hotter Magnum motor? What are the major differences and what does it take to swap the 2? If it makes a difference, boat A is big heavy 27' crusier type, boat B is a light 23' speed hull.

[tuned]

Hey Ty. Boat building b*stard that you are.

Here's my understanding of the drives. Anybody correct me if I'm wrong.

The Alpha is a fine drive, but was known in the older days for popping under high horsepower. Bullet proof for the 350, but questionable for the 454. I would beware the guy with the 454Mag telling you that the Alpha is the only way to go. The Mag is great engine, but I know that you think in terms of buyers, and an educated one might be shy on the Alpha.

Hence the Bravo 1 was brought out. Totally bulletproof since day one. Perfect match for the 454/7.4 power.

Then Merc started putting out offshore and racing engines with more ponies yet 502s and others with 500HP and upward. Hence the Bravo 2 and Bravo 3 came out. Overkill for a standard 454 as they are much beefier yet and quite a bit heavier. Although I'm not experienced with the 2 or 3, my understanding is that they are quite similar to each other with the exception of the Bravo 3 having dual, counter-rotating props.

I believe that all mounts and drive shafts are swappable, but don't take my word on this. I do know for a fact the the Alpha and the Bravo 1 are indeed interchangeable.
I'm sure some of the other hardcores will add to this info for you. 'pondy'???

[pond tuuunes]

I run a Bravo 1XR, I was steered away from the alpha as it wasn't really that HP rated, and that parts where not usually locally located, and much more expensive. the bravo have many more hp options, the bravo 1,2. the bravo 3 is not very HP rated, and is speed limited to about 65 mph. the bravo 1XR is basically the same as the 1, but higher hp rating I think. my drive is rated for 700hp, but it is a XR with oversize shafts. something else to keep mind of is different engine/drive options the drives have different gear ratios. hope that helps JT

[Bryden24shp]

Yep, anything over 365 horsepower will turn an Alpha into mush. Bravo one is absolutely the way to go. Put a drive shower on it, the top bearings like to puke when ran hard for extended durations. Such a poker runs and O/S races. My last one was 525 HP, never a problem. Next 'toon is gonna have one in it. Miss my BB's! Bravo II's are the next step up. I would not own a Bravo III, counter rotating lower bearing assembly is just a bad omen. XR drive, like JT said, is the best for high horsepower. Add a stand off box... WOW!

[ToonGuy]

Alright Bryan, you're loosing me in the terminology already I have 2 options here...when I first found donor boat A my tinkering-hotrod-kid-at-hart invisioned a freshening up, and of course a nice new intake, tweaked carb, and a cam to bring it together. Guessing max of 400-450 HP. Then I cam across donor boat B (which has a fairly fresh long block) and thought hmmm....maybe I'd be happy with the stock Mag I guess we'll see what happenes in the next week or 2, and how badly each of these guys want to sell...

[ToonGuy]

Well I should have hit Boat A up sooner...he must have needed cash bad because he sold the motor out of it last week. Since I wanted a complete boat for all the nick nacks (and ease of transport) that was out. So I made a deal on boat B. IF this project comes together, I'll leave the 454 Mag stock in hopes the Alpha drive holds up. Besides, it's only got 320 hrs on the entire boat and she purrs like a kitten

[tuned]

Looks familiar! Good to see it has the remote oil filter.
Have fun. Buy lots of band-aids (and beer)